2013 Parx Racing Leaders. Photo: Barbara Weidl/EQUI-PHOTO. Leading. Apprentice Jockey. Hector Caballero. New PTHA Board Takes Up the Reins

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1 PTHA NEWS Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen s Association Newsletter We ARE Pennsylvania Racing Volume Parx Racing Leaders Leading Trainer Patricia Farro Leading Trainer: Leading Jockey: , $2,631, , $4,538,650 Patricia Farro Leading Jockey Kendrick Carmouche Kendrick Carmouche Leading Apprentice Jockey Hector Caballero Photo: Barbara Weidl/EQUI-PHOTO Photo: Barbara Weidl/EQUI-PHOTO Photo: Nikki Sherman High Point Thoroughbred Partners , $1,020,076 Photo: Barbara Weidl/EQUI-PHOTO Leading Owner: Leading Apprentice Jockey: Hector Caballero , $2,283,492 Leading Owner High Point Thoroughbred Partners (Marshall Gramm, Mike Pietrangelo, Joseph Klausa, Clay Sanders, Parker Schwartz) New PTHA Board Takes Up the Reins The new members of the PTHA Board were decided after an evening of counting ballots at the Bucks County Chamber of Commerce on January 7, Thoroughbreds; and trainers Kate DeMasi, Ron Glorioso, Robert Butch Reid, and John Servis. Leading the voting was Salvatore DeBunda, Esq., who begins his second term as President of the PTHA. Also re-instated were Executive Director Michael Ballezzi, Esq., who has served on the board for 18 years; Dr. Steven Appel, DDS, continuing as First Vice President; Mary Zanone, remaining as Second Vice President; trainer Phil Aristone, continuing as Treasurer; Lisa Allen, managing partner of LA New to the PTHA Board is Nicholas Saponara of Club Risque Stable. An interview with Saponara can be found on page 5. President 329 Owner Directors Michael P. Ballezzi Mary A. Zanone Dr. Steven Appel Lisa Allen Nicholas J. Saponara Trainer Directors John C. Servis Kathleen DeMasi Phil Aristone Ronald Glorioso Robert E. Reid, Jr. Scott A. Lake Photos: Nikki Sherman Salvatore M. DeBunda PTHA employees counted ballots on Jan. 7, 2014.

2 Page 2 PTHANews February 2014 Seeking Suggestions President s Message Salvatore M. DeBunda, Esquire I would like to congratulate our returning Board members, as well as welcome new Owner Director Nick Saponara. I am looking forward to working together over the next three years. We anticipate a few difficult years, but we are prepared to meet the many challenges on the road ahead. One particular issue of importance is the upcoming budget with Governor Tom Corbett. This spring, Executive Director Mike Ballezzi and I will be spending much of our efforts in protecting the funding for our industry. We are also battling here on our own turf, working directly with racetrack management to solve the repetitive problems with the track surface. Lost live racing days due to track conditions are a serious concern, and we intend to get the track drainage better so that this does not continue to be a recurring issue in the future. I would also like to thank you for your patience during the quarantine at the end of This was an incredibly difficult time for horsemen, and your cooperation certainly was appreciated by everyone who was involved. Now we have moved on to a new year introduces a new beginning for the uniform therapeutic medication rules and penalty system. Within this newsletter, you will find details of the permitted dosages of each medication. Mike Ballezzi has worked tirelessly on this project for many years, and we are both excited that we finally will have a level playing field throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The new year also allows us to remember the outstanding individuals of last year. Please join us for the annual Horsemen s Awards banquet on March 26 on the third floor of the Parx grandstand. Tickets may be purchased for $25 through the PTHA office by visiting or calling Do you know a horse that you feel is worthy for the 2013 Horsemen s Awards Banquet? Horse Award suggestion forms are available in the PTHA office. 2yo Colt/Gelding 2yo Filly 3yo Colt/Gelding 3yo Filly Outstanding Claim of the Year 4yo & Up Colt/Gelding 4yo & Up Filly/Mare Claiming Horse of the Year Horse of the Year OUR FIRM S SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR CLIENTS SUCCESS. Archer & Greiner is a full-service, regional law firm of more than 175 attorneys with a network of seven offices and a well-earned reputation for providing high-quality, results-driven legal services in a broad range of disciplines and industries. Archer & Greiner attorneys have been meeting the needs of Fortune 100 companies, small to medium-sized businesses and individuals throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond for more than 80 years. For more information on our firm contact us at (215) or info@archerlaw.com. HADDONFIELD, NJ WILMINGTON, DE PHILADELPHIA, PA PRINCETON, NJ FLEMINGTON, NJ GEORGETOWN, DE NEW YORK, NY Donate Your Feed Bag Proofs of Purchase Turning for Home will gladly accept any proofs of purchase from your feed bags. All donations will benefit our horses!

3 February 2014 PTHANews Page 3 From the Desk of the Executive Director: PA Equine Coalition Response to Rep. Stephens Proposed Legislation to Transfer $250 million from RHDF On January 29, 2014, Philly.com published an article about Republican Todd Stephens legislation to transfer $250 million from our Race Horse Development Fund to support education in Pennsylvania. While we fully appreciate that proper education is crucial, we do not believe that Rep. Stephens truly understands the purpose of the RHDF, and especially does not comprehend the economic impact should his plan be enacted. We have prepared a response to his proposal, which is included below. The Pennsylvania Equine Coalition is fully opposed to the proposed legislation introduced by Representative Todd Stephens to transfer $250 million annually from the Race Horse Development Fund (RHDF) to support traditionally underfunded schools. Representative Stephens has unfortunately chosen to propose this legislation as a means to score political points. While we agree that equitable and fair funding for all Pennsylvania schools is a necessity, we strongly encourage legislators to seek alternative funding sources so as to not decimate a burgeoning industry in Pennsylvania. To be as clear and concise as possible, the proposed legislation introduced by Representative Stephens will effectively eliminate the RHDF and spell the end of thoroughbred and standardbred racing in Pennsylvania as we know it. To provide some context, the total allocation to the RHDF for Fiscal Year 2013 was $264,200,662, which was a $16 million decline from FY2012, the highest allocation on record for the RHDF. We have witnessed a steady decline in Pennsylvania slot revenues over the past 18 months, and the continued regional expansion of non-racetrack casinos (from which the RHDF receives NO percentage of slot revenue) will further dilute gaming revenue. While it is too early to predict the total allocation to the RHDF for 2014, we project it will remain stagnant or continue to fall below the $260 million mark. Transferring $250 million from the RHDF will effectively eliminate the fund and all affiliated programs it supports throughout the commonwealth. This elimination of funding will result in an exodus of breeders and racing professionals from our state, which can have catastrophic consequences for a number of sectors. The loss of farmland will lead to more residential development, which studies consistently show is actually a negative drain on municipal services (including education) versus open spaces. The Pennsylvania equine industry contributes $4.6 billion to the Pennsylvania economy each year, making it a major economic driver for the state. Live racing alone generates $1.6 billion in economic activity and directly supports more than 23,000 jobs in casinos, racetracks, back stretches and more. The additional $3 billion in annual economic impact is realized through the countless breeders, blacksmiths, trainers, veterinarians and other support industries scattered throughout the state. Unfortunately Rep. Stephens chose to cite the exception within our industry rather than the rule when citing an example of who has won purse money. The vast majority of purse funds (over 90%) remain here in Pennsylvania, sustaining mom and pop farms who have invested their life savings into a passion for caring for and training our (cont d on page 8) 2013 HORSEMEN S AWARDS BANQUET When: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 from 6 to 10 PM Where: Parx Racing in Bensalem, PA Join us for cocktails, dinner and dancing To Purchase Tickets: Visit: PTHA Office Call:

4 Page 4 PTHANews February 2014 Uniform Medication Rules Now in Effect Effective January 1, 2014, The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission in accordance with its existing therapeutic regulations (58 Pa. Code ) incorporates and adopts the most current list of therapeutic substances and threshold levels issued by the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium (RMTC) and any subsequent modification approved by The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) regarding therapeutic medications. The following chart details these new accepted medication standards and withdrawal times: Substance Restricted Administration Time Threshold Acepromazine 48 Hours HEPS - 10 ng/ml of urine Route of Administration Intravenous Experimental Administration Dosage 0.05 mg/kg Betamethasone 7 Days 10 pg/ml in plasma or serum Intra-articular 9 mg total in one articular space Butorphanol 48 Hours Free butorphanol - 2 ng/ml of plasma or Total butorphanol ng/ml of urine Intravenous 0.1 mg/kg Clenbuterol 14 Days 140 pg/ml of urine or LOD in plasma Oral 0.8 mcg/kg Dantrolene 48 Hours 5-OH dantrolene ng/ml of plasma or serum Oral 500 mg total dose Detomidine 72 Hours 1 ng/ml of carboxydetomidine in urine; LOD for detomidine in plasma Sublingual detomidine (Domosedan gel) Dexamethasone 72 Hours 5 pg/ml of plasma or serum Oral, Intravenous, IM 40 mcg/kg 0.05 mg/kg Diclofenac 48 Hours 5 ng/ml of plasma or serum Topical 5 ribbon of Surpass every 12 hours to one site DMSO 48 Hours 10 mcg/ml of plasma or serum Oral or IV Firocoxib 14 Days 20 ng/ml of plasma or serum Oral 0.1 mg/kg for 4 days Flunixin 24 Hours 20 ng/ml of plasma or serum Intravenous 1.1 mg/kg Furosemide 4 Hours 100 ng/ml in blood and urine specific gravity < Intravenous Up to 500 mg total dose Glycopyrrolate 48 Hours 3 pg/ml of plasma or serum Intravenous 1 mg total dose Ketoprofen 24 Hours 10 ng/ml of plasma or serum Intravenous 2.2 mg/kg Lidocaine (interim) 72 Hours 20 pg/ml of total 3OH-lidocaine in plasma Subcutaneous - distal limb Mepivacaine 72 Hours 3OH-mepivacaine - 10 ng/ml in urine or mepivacaine at LOD in plasma Subcutaneous - distal limb 200 mg of lidocaine hydrochloride salt 0.07 mg/kg Methocarbamol 48 Hours 1 ng/ml of plasma or serum IV or Oral 15 mg/kg IV, 5 g oral Methylprednisone 7 Days 100 pg/ml in plasma or serum Intra-articular 100 mg total in one article space Omeprazole 24 Hours omeprazole sulfide - 1 ng/ml in urine Oral 3.9 mg/kg Phenylbutazone 24 Hours 2 mcg/ml of plasma or serum Intravenous 4 mg/kg Prednisolone 48 Hours 1 ng/ml of plasma or serum Oral 1 mg/kg Procaine Penicillin Time of Entry 25 ng/ml of plasma Intra-muscular Triamcinolone Acetonide 7 Days 100 pg/ml of plasma or serum Intra-articular 9 mg total in one articular space Xylazine (interim) 48 Hours 0.01 ng/ml of plasma Intravenous

5 February 2014 PTHANews Page 5 All About... Nick Saponara Nicholas Nick J. Saponara joins the PTHA Board in 2014 as an Owner Director. He brings a plethora of knowledge about the racing industry: he started out in harness racing as a writer, handicapper and odds maker as a young man just out of high school. In time, Saponara purchased his first racehorse, a Standardbred named Mission Hopper. He has been widely recognized in the harness world, including serving as the U.S. Harness Writer s Association President from In 2004, Saponara was inducted by his peers into the Communicator s Hall of Fame, which was established to honor outstanding USHWA members. A few years ago, Saponara made the transition to Thoroughbreds, forming Club Risque Stable, which claimed its first horse, Flying Clipper, in The stable now owns twelve Thoroughbreds, eight of which are with Parx Racing trainer Randy Allen. A. I think there are things that need to be done. For example, this racetrack. It s been closed all the time! I have some other owners calling me saying they can t handle this anymore. They re looking for trainers in New York and Florida. I said, I agree with you; when other tracks in the area are able to run and we can t, it makes us look like a bush league track. We have to stay together as a body because the people that suffer the most are the owners. The show does not run if the owners are not there to pick up the money. I don t know what I can do; if I can make anything better, I ll try! I know (Executive Director) Mike s (Ballezzi) hands are tied to a point, but we ve got a nice group of people (on the PTHA board) to work with. When you have a track that s able to give away million-dollar purses in September, you should have a surface that s able to function, and it just can t right now. It s a shame and very frustrating. Q. What got you into racing? A. Well when I was a kid, my father used to take me to Delaware Park. When I started working at the Philadelphia Bulletin as a copy boy, I d leave work and go to Garden State for their late post times. I never would have thought I would get to this point in my life! Now I have about twelve horses, including some young horses at the farm. Q: So you got started in harness racing? The Club Risque Stable silks. A: Yeah, I got started in harness racing when Liberty Bell opened up, and I was working for the Bulletin. I was covering racing there, and then eventually the Thoroughbreds started racing there too. I was covering both breeds, and I was doing the morning line for them at Liberty Bell, and then when Keystone opened up I was here also, and did the morning line here for many years, until the Bulletin closed in Saponara watches one of his fillies in the paddock. Q: When did you get your first Thoroughbred? My favorite Thoroughbred I owned was the first horse that I owned. Randy Allen came to see me one day because he remembered breaking the horse, Flying Clipper, which we claimed for around $16,000. He just couldn t get the job done, so we dropped him for $5,000. Well he went off to win by eight or ten, and nobody touched him, and he wound up winning the next four of five races. It was unbelieveable! Q. I saw that you taught a course on handicapping at the University of Pennsylvania. How did that come about? A. I was at work the one day and these two young fellows came in looking for me, and they said they were really interested in racing and Standardbred racing in general. They said the school had a non-credit course about handicapping and wanted to know if I would be interested in teaching it. I said, Me? You sure? They said, yeah, we ve been following you at the newspaper for a long time, and you seem to know your business! I will never forget the first day; it was this BIG auditorium...all these PEOPLE! I brought some guests, trainers and drivers...it went very well. Photos: Nikki Sherman Q. What made you want to run for the PTHA Board? Saponara with trainer Randy Allen.

6 Page 6 PTHANews February 2014 End to Parx Quarantine The quarantine that plagued the barn area at Parx Racing starting on Nov. 13th, after several horses were diagnosed with EHV-1, was officially lifted the morning of January 10th. All of the affected horses had blood tests come back negative. A few 2013 stakes races were affected by the quarantine, according to Parx Racing Secretary Sal Sinatra. The Chris Elser and Donna Freyer Memorial stakes, originally scheduled for Nov. 16th, were rescheduled for Feb. 8th, while the Pennsylvania Nursery was rescheduled for March 1st. The Auld Lang Syne Stakes and Valley Forge Stakes originally planned for Dec. 31st were both cancelled. A thank-you gift from the 10% OFF your next purchase of $50.00 or more. Offer ends April 15, Must present coupon to receive discount. Not valid on feed or shavings. Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes Parx Racetrack Three-Year-Olds 7 Furlongs Rescheduled for March 1, Winner: Officer Alex Breeder: The Elkstone Group LLC Owner: Winning Horses Stable & Choctaw Racing Stable Trainer: Lynn Whiting Jockey: Stewart Elliot Photo: Barbara Weidl/EQUI-PHOTO 701 E. Baltimore Pike, Suite E Kennett Square, PA

7 February 2014 PTHANews Page 7 Quality Products and Discount Prices Whether you re stabled right here at Parx Racing, or down for the day to saddle a horse, visit the HPA Store for all of your equine supplies, including: Bedding Equipment Feed Supplies Supplements...and more! Winter Specials NOW through March 19, 2014 Hemo Cease (2.25 lb.) $ M Patches (case of 50) $ Hours (every day except Wed.) Tack Shop: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Feed/Shavings Trailers: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Ice House: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Horsemen s Purchasing Association Vicky Mangini, HPA Manager Galloway Road (shipping) P.O. Box 300, Bensalem, PA (mailing)

8 Page 8 PTHANews February 2014 Eclipse Awards The 43rd annual Eclipse Awards, presented by Daily Racing Form, Breeders Cup and The Stronach Group, were held on January 18th at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla. Headlining the evening was Horse of the Year Wise Dan, whose connections have become familiar faces at the winner s podium over the past two years - Wise Dan swept identical titles as he did in 2012, winning champion older male and champion male turf horse in addition to Horse of the Year. In the three-year-old male division, Pennsylvania Derby (G2) winner Will Take Charge wrestled the championship from Kentucky Derby hero Orb after using his nose victory in the Grade 1 Travers at Saratoga as a vaulting point to an incredible fall campaign that included an additional win in the Clark Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs and a head-bob loss to Mucho Macho Man in the Breeders Cup Classic. (cont d from page 3) Photo: Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO Will Take Charge in the PA Derby. beautiful equine athletes. More important than residency of the owner is the residency of the horse itself, which in many cases could be considered the actual job creator i.e. the litany of services a racing horse requires support a robust local infrastructure in Pennsylvania. These are your neighbors who earn their living within the equine racing industry as growers, blacksmiths, breeders, trainers, groomers and more. They are preserving open space and providing a critical market for farmers to grow and sell feed, to stable horses, and invest in new breeding facilities, rivaling those found in Kentucky, California, and Florida. Many of our newly elected legislators may not understand the nature and origins of Act 71 as it related to casino gambling in the state of Pennsylvania. The 12 percent cap to fund the RHDF was developed as a statutory assessment on casino operators that would otherwise have been seen as additional profit in their pockets. The agreement was struck on the basis that casino slot gambling in Pennsylvania would support the enhancement of live horse racing, breeding programs, Photo: Nikki Sherman/DRF More Let s Go Racing Let s Go Racing, the weekly thirty-minute racing recap featuring Parx Racing announcer Keith Jones and Daily News reporter Dick Jerardi, has added a second showing to its schedule in order to accommodate its horsemen. In addition to the usual show on Saturday mornings at 10:00 am EST, Let s Go Racing will re-air on Sunday mornings at 5:00 am EST. Both spots will continue to air on Comcast SportsNet. Wise Dan wins the 2013 Breeders Cup Mile at Santa Anita. Response to Rep. Stephens entertainment and employment in this Commonwealth (Act 71, Section 1102). Additionally, the RHDF funding is pale in comparison to the Commonwealth take of approximately 42 percent of total casino slot revenues, a portion of which (approximately $1 billion annually) actually DOES provide school funding relief through property tax subsidies to local municipalities. In short, casino gambling, and the subsequent predictable funding stream, would not exist in Pennsylvania had it not been for the work of Horsemen s Organizations to negotiate such favorable terms for the Commonwealth. The Racing Fund created by Act 71 is succeeding as intended. We have a successful, viable model thanks to Act 71 and the ongoing innovation, initiative and competitiveness it has spurred. To abandon this model now would spell disaster for the burgeoning breeding and racing industry in the commonwealth. We commend our legislators for devising creative solutions to the state education crisis, but would encourage them to do more research on the far-reaching implications of such legislation to many hard-working residents of Pennsylvania.

9 February 2014 PTHANews Page 9

10 Page 10 PTHANews February 2014 Turning for Home, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen s Association, has safely retired over 1,000 horses from Parx Racing since May 2008, and is considered a model program for the racing industry. Success Stories Sumfun was a multiple stakes winner, and is now known as Vince after Vincent Van Gogh. Adopter Danielle Young had the famous artist s painting Starry Night clipped into her new boy! Meet Us at Horse World Expo! Two horses leave Parx for their new lives as retired racehorses. Brigantine Queen, a.k.a. Roxy, originally went through TFH in November She is now showing with adopter Kristen Galiastro of Freehold, NJ! Seeking Donations for Basket Auction Each year TFH presents a basket auction at the PTHA s annual Horsemen s Awards Banquet. This auction has become one of our fundraisders. Please help us by making a tax deductible donation of items or services for the auction. Also be sure to attend the banquet on March 26, and bid on the many exciting items that are available! We will be attending Horse World Expo at the PA Farm Show Complex from February 27-March 1. Stop by and visit us in stall S-9! Turning for Home, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to find homes for Parx Racing s retired thoroughbreds. P.O. Box 300, Bensalem, PA

11 February 2014 PTHANews Page 11 Your Ten Dollars, My Ten Cents Thoughts from Program Administrator Danielle Montgomery I will never forget the moment when it was whispered that a sweet gelding sent home with his loving groom to live out his days trail riding and stretching his legs on green pastures had been spotted at auction. The queasiness in the pit of my stomach and the intensity of emotion stays with me today, over twenty years later. For many trainers, the placing of retiring racehorses mimics the uneasy, anxious and uncertain feelings of unplanned retirement that we all try desperately to avoid. This in not the case anymore for the busy trainers at Parx, where six years ago that all changed when Mike Ballezzi and the PTHA implemented the business plan that has made Turning for Home the model program for racehorse retirement in the country. The contributions received by the program have proved to be the best insurance plan these racehorses have. The placement proceeds are allocated in a way that allows these athletes time to heal. The horse angels on our farms work relentlessly to successfully transition our OTTBs into pre-approved homes and life-saving careers. The adoption process is set up in a way that the horses can be followed throughout their new careers. While we don t have funding yet to provide sanctuary, we do take them back in order to find new placement and that is the best safety net we can provide our old friends. Posted in the Administration Building and on our Facebook page is our Wall of Success. One glance at these amazing photos and you will feel as we do, that the right thing is being done for the athletes that provide so many of us with so much enjoyment as a well a job that we love. However, we can still do better. With the addition of several wonderful farms and stall space, TFH has been able to shorten the waiting list at the track. The entire veterinary community at Parx has been contributing their services as well to help quickly evaluate the retirees and send them out with prescribed treatment plans. The trainers have been assisting by disclosing all pertinent issues and coordinating with our staff to save time and money that can be put towards educating the public and finding forever homes for our deserving athletes. One of our goals is to package eye catching horses out to farms, along with the athletes needing more recovery time. This helps the farms both with a steady income stream and more visibility for all of their charges. In addition, continued vigilance in respect to following up on TFH horses after placement will ensure that the best possible outcome for each individual horse is achieved. This is an important step in the process that can be initiated and executed by all of us. After being on the farm myself for so many years, it is heartwarming to come to Parx every day knowing that my fellow horsemen have come together to support a cause that actually works. We have found a solution and are working to do even better. There is no better feeling than putting horses on a van en route to their second careers. After all, haven t they have given their all out of the gate for us? Meet Our Farms Taking care of our own doesn t end when our horses leave the racetrack. We rely on a network of equine professionals who are experienced in the difficult transition from life as a racehorse to a successful new career! Adoptions After the Races: Nottingham, PA Bell Run Farm: Christiana, PA Castle Rock Farm: West Chester, PA Hill Haven Farm: Millstone Twp, NJ Jumping H Farm: Elkin, NC Lisa Molloy Training Stables: Virginia Beach, VA Maui Meadow Farm: West Chester, PA Next Generation Thoroughbreds: Blue Anchor, NJ Recycled Racehorses: Sewell, NJ Sedgemere Farm: Elverson, PA South Jersey Thoroughbred Rescue: Moorestown, NJ Thoroughfair Thoroughbreds: Upper Black Eddy, PA Track to Tranquility: Mannington, NJ War Horses at Rose Bower: Appomattox, VA Rehabilitation Surgical Recovery

12 Page 12 PTHANews February 2014 The Granny Fund was established in March 2000 as a memorial to Catherine Granny Youmans. Granny was a fixture on the backstretch, and was adament about people bettering themselves through education. When Granny passed on Feb. 22, 2000, The Granny Fund was established as a scholarship program to aid stable employees and their dependents. Recent Scholarship Recipients Jack Abrams 2013 Bucks County Community College Jenna Carty 2013 Albright College Matthew Cowan 2012 Lincoln Technical Institute Gerald Delp, Jr Bucks County Community College Kaitlyn Dougherty 2013 LaSalle University Annalise Dunn 2013 Bucks County Community College Jeffrey Evans 2012 Lincoln Technical Institute Jose Flores, Jr Bucks County Community College Ana P. Gonzales De la Pena Temple University Jorge J. Gonzales De la Pena Bucks County Community College Marcela Rodriguez Bucks County Community College Undeclared/Liberal Arts Psychology Computer Networking Security Mechanical Engineering Accounting Automotive Technology Cinema/Video Production Dental Program Chef Apprenticeship: Food Emphasis Education Want to apply for a scholarship with The Granny Fund? See Connie Youmans in the PTHA office! Children s Christmas Party

13 February 2014 PTHANews Page 13 Chaplain Rick Bunker He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. - 2 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV) I thought of this Scripture passage as I looked back on 2013 and ahead to We certainly had more than our share of challenges in There certainly are some ahead of us in the year to come. God will continue to help us make ways through and build bridges over whatever challenges we shall confront. There was a bit of an object lesson illustrating this in the candy aisle - the Christmas candy (marked down) and the Valentine candy right next to each other. What were these doing right across from each other? It seemed to be saying to me that the love of God continues on, reaching throughout all the year, bridging and buttressing us throughout all of our experiences (good and bad). From Christmas, to Valentine s Day, to Easter, to Passover, to Pentecost, to Summer times of family gatherings, to Labor Day, to Thanksgiving and back again to Hanukkah and Christmas. We were able to do a lot of good and helpful things for one another in Let me share some of them with you. May it encourage us to know that all these kindnesses were shared and brighten our hearts with hope for the days ahead! Partial List of Benevolences in 2013 Coordinated with the Office of the Chaplain: 29 full beds (mattress, frame, and box spring), 16 high quality air mattresses, and over 300 blankets, sheets and pillows 349 boxes of food, and 84 turkeys with all the fixins 55 gift certificates for groceries at local markets for over $1, good or new jackets (a large percentage of these were new winter coats for children), and countless other items of clothing 23 microwaves, 11 refrigerators, and a few other appliances (most were new) 51 bicycles (20 were new and all were in good condition) 187 book bags filled with school supplies 79 Bibles Over 700 pairs of socks, countless hats, scarves, gloves, towels, wash cloths, toiletries, loaves of bread, and more. There were 43 Chapel n Chows in 2013 as well, and most of these provided many meals of leftovers. In coordination with the PTHA and the Racing Office over 3,000 meals were provided through the meal ticket and meal card program at the Ron s Backstretch Cafe. Over 1,000 gifts were collected throughout the year for Christmas (and birthdays) for over 300 children related to employees of the Racetrack Community. Several holiday/seasonal parties throughout the year for children and families Transportation to doctor visits, pharmacies, and many other transportation needs $9, Dollars in Scholarships for Colleges and Technical Schools through the Granny Youmans Scholarship Fund AND MUCH MORE I look forward to 2014 with optimism knowing that I am part of such a good community of horsemen. It is a privilege to be your chaplain and I want you to know that I am here for you. If you need anything or have an idea of something that we can do for anyone, please let me know and together, with God, we will make 2014 even better than 2013! In the spirit of St. Valentine s Day I share with you and close with this Scripture passage: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God... because God is love - 1 John 4:7-8

14 Page 14 PTHANews February 2014 Backstretc Congratulations... Layla Marie Doyle, 8 lb. 13 oz., was born on December 29, 2013 at 11:39 PM, and is the first grandchild of trainer Frances Allen Meares. The proud parents are Neil Doyle and Carmilla Lemarie. Congratulations... Sophia Mae Benner, 7 lb. 12 oz., was born on January 8, 2014 at 2:17 AM, and is the first grandchild of assistant trainer David Coyote Garcia. Sophia s proud parents are John Benner and Ashley Garcia, who works in the concession stand on the first floor of the Parx Racing grandstand. Congratulations... Stella Rose, 9 lb. and 22 in. long, was born on August 31, 2013 at 9:44 AM to parents Lauren Vannozzi and Denny Medina. Lauren is a veterinary assistant to Dr. Hanf, while Denny also works on the backstretch. Congratulations... Alexandra Montomery, daughter of Turning for Home Program Administrator Danielle Montgomery, was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior in November In addition, she recently qualified for the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) finance state finals for the second year in a row! Condolences... Frank T. Bryan III passed away October 18, Frank was a jockey from and had been an exercise rider at Parx Racing. Donations in his memory may be sent to Northeast Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 52395, Philadelphia, PA

15 February 2014 PTHANews Page 15 tch Views Condolences... Peter Domenic Carlino passed away on November 29, 2013 at the age of 92 due to a heart disease problem. Peter formed Penn National Gaming, Inc., which is now run by his son, Peter M. Carlino. Donations in his name may be sent to the Abbey of Regina Laudis, 237 Flanders Road, Bethlehem, CT Condolences... Jennifer Leonardo, daughter of trainer Janet Polachek and James J. Leonardo III, died suddenly on January 23, She was living in Port Charlotte, Florida, and was engaged to Mark Lathrope. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the ASPCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, D.C Condolences... Trainer Louis Linder, Sr. died on December 4, 2013 at age 85. Lou trained horses from , and has passed on his knowledge to his son, current trainer Lou Linder, Jr. He is survived by daughter Phyllis and sons Lou Jr. and Mark, as well as 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Donations may be made in his name to the Pennsylvania SPCA, 350 E. Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Condolences... Betty Riviello passed away on December 24, 2013 at age 81. Betty was married to long-time PTHA President Larry Riviello, and the couple owned a multitude of successful horses over the years. She was also an avid bowler, and was active in the Springfield Township committee for 26 years. One of her favorite activities was spending time with her family, including her 4 children, 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Condolences... Carol Hofmann Thompson died at age 70 due to complications from a stroke on December 5, Carol was the wife of popular New Jersey trainer J. Willard Thompson, and the couple operated Winter Quarter Farm in Colts Neck, N.J. She was also a hugely accomplished horsewoman, and was a member of the U.S. Equestrian Team as well as an alternate for the 1968 Olympics.

16 Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen s Association P.O. Box 300 Bensalem, PA : Fax FIRST CLASS PRESORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #113 LANGHORNE, PA President Salvatore M. DeBunda, Esq. Executive Director Michael P. Ballezzi, Esq. 1st Vice President Steven A. Appel, DDS 2nd Vice President Mary A. Zanone Treasurer Philip Aristone Director/Owners Director/Trainers Lisa Allen Philip Aristone Steve Appel, DDS Kathleen DeMasi Michael P. Ballezzi, Esq. Ron Glorioso Mary A. Zanone Robert Reid Nicholas Saponara John Servis Secretary Connie Youmans Controller Michael A. Colucci, CPA Attorneys Archer & Greiner, P.C. Market & Publicity Director Nikki Sherman Horsemen s Purchasing Association Vicky Mangini, Manager Turning for Home, Inc. Danielle Montgomery, Program Administrator LET S GO RACING TV SHOW Presented by the PTHA Saturdays 10 AM on Comcast SportsNet Go to Check out our website at For the very latest on thoroughbred racing Prizes and more! Photos by Skip Dickstein. Coverage Watch of local American features racing s as well top as top stories. Handicapping, races from analysis, around the interviews country and human interest features highlight weekly shows, From hosted Philadelphia by Parx Park track Casino announcer and Keith Jones and Race handicapper Track Dick Jerardi.